relative to

USAGE SUMMARY

"relative to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means "in comparison to," "compared to," or "in relation to." For example, "The cost of this item is quite reasonable relative to other items in the same category."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Boost relative to what?

The New York Times

It is relative to desire.

The Economist

Quantification relative to GAPDH.

Nature

relative to input.

Nature

Look at household debt relative to income.

The New York Times

"But it is great relative to sentiment".

The New York Times

Expenditure cannot rise relative to income indefinitely.

The New Yorker

relative to 2011.

Cornell University

Correspondence relative to ammendments.

Cornell University

Overall government research spending (relative to G.D.P).

The New York Times - Magazine

Relative to my own means.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relative to", ensure you clearly state what two things are being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "relative to" without specifying the point of reference. For instance, instead of saying "The price is high", say "The price is high relative to the average income in the area".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relative to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used to establish a relationship of comparison or reference between two entities or concepts. Ludwig examples show it clarifies measurements, costs, performance and more.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

32%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relative to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to establish comparisons and provide context, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical function is to relate two elements, offering a clearer understanding of one in terms of the other. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register. Remember to specify both elements being compared to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "in comparison to" and "compared with". With examples showcasing clarity and source authority, "relative to" proves a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in comparison to

Direct synonym, emphasizing a comparison between two things.

compared with

Indicates a direct comparison, often highlighting differences.

in relation to

Highlights a connection or association, not necessarily a direct comparison.

with respect to

More formal, indicating consideration of a particular aspect.

considering

Shorter, implying something is taken into account.

in terms of

Focuses on specific characteristics being compared.

regarding

Indicates a subject or topic being referenced.

with regard to

Formal way to introduce a topic being considered.

versus

Highlights a contrast or opposition.

as opposed to

Emphasizes a clear distinction or contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "relative to" in a sentence?

Use "relative to" to compare one thing to another. For example, "The cost of living here is high "compared to" other cities."

What phrases can I use instead of "relative to"?

You can use phrases like "in comparison to", "compared with", or "in relation to" as alternatives.

Is it always necessary to specify what something is "relative to"?

Yes, specifying the point of reference ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity. It makes the comparison meaningful.

What's the difference between "relative to" and "with respect to"?

"Relative to" implies a comparison, while "with respect to" suggests considering a specific aspect or factor.